I have only recently become
aware of an excellent service by the name of Wheels for Wellness. They are
a not-for-profit society who provide door-to-door transportation for
patients who must travel more than 75 kilometers for medical appointments.
They operate a fleet of vans on Vancouver Island, driven by volunteer
drivers. They are funded by corporate sponsors and donations, and
donations are tax free. Their costs are 20 cents per passenger per
kilometer and arrangements may be made with as little as 24 hours notice.

A few weeks ago, Eleanor used
it for the first time. She was picked up at our door at 0520 hours and
joined 4 others for the ride to Victoria. She was dropped off at the
clinic at 0920 hours for her 0930 appointment. (There had been one pit
stop at a coffee shop). When her appointment was finished, the clinic
contacted Wheels for Wellness and the van appeared about 20 minutes later.
The latter was fortunate, however. She had been warned that she would be
picked up by the first available van but there may be delay.

In conversation with the
driver, Eleanor learned that "Wheels" had 8 vans on the road that day.

Not only is this an excellent
service, it's an excellent example of what can be done by a community. Can
you imagine the cost if government provided such a service?